BOSTON — Monday, November 21, 2011— The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) encourages residents and visitors to plan ahead for travel during the upcoming holiday weekend.

Thanksgiving holiday traffic is expected to be at its peak on Wednesday, November 23 and Sunday, November 27.

I-90 Exit 9 connecting I-84 to Connecticut and New York experiences heavy traffic and busy toll plazas. To avoid delays on Wednesday and Sunday, drivers are encouraged to consider travel during the early morning or after 8 p.m. Traffic congestion is also expected at the I-95 and I-495 Turnpike interchanges along with I-495 and I-93 northbound leading into New Hampshire.

“Safe travel is our top priority, and we encourage Commonwealth residents to plan ahead for holiday travel, whether on our roads or on our trains, buses, and airplanes,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey.

Visit MassDOT's online traffic camera webpage with more than 90 live traffic cameras throughout the highway system. The cameras refresh every 10 seconds to provide real time traffic views. The 511 traffic alert system will include messages to alert customers to traffic advisories throughout the holiday weekend.

MassDOT will suspend highway construction projects on major roadways across the state from 5:00 am on Wednesday, November 23, through normal start of business on Monday, November 28.

For added convenience, free coffee will be served at all 18 MassDOT service plazas courtesy of McDonalds, Burger King, and Gulf between 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving night, Thursday, November 24, until 5 a.m. on Friday, November 25.

MBTA HOLIDAY TRAVEL SCHEDULE, TAKING THE T TO LOGAN

The MBTA Thanksgiving Holiday service schedule for Wednesday, November 23 through Tuesday, November 29 is available at www.mbta.com.

Due to heavy traffic, residents are encouraged to use public transportation to get to and from Logan Airport. On the day before Thanksgiving, an estimated 50,000+ drivers travel through the Ted Williams, Callahan and Sumner Tunnels.

To accommodate MBTA customers traveling to and from Logan Airport, the Silver, Red, Orange, Green, and Blue Lines will offer additional service during peak airport travel times before the holiday and continuing through Tuesday, November 29. The Silver Line stops at all Logan terminals. With low floors and plenty of space, the 60-foot-long Silver Line vehicles are ideal for customers traveling with luggage. Remember to buy a CharlieTicket when leaving Logan. A One-Day or Seven-Day LinkPass is available to use during the holiday weekend.

For more detailed information on service around the holiday, visit www.mbta.com or call an MBTA Customer Support Representative at 617-222-3200 or 800-392-6100, TTY 617-222-5146, Monday through Friday 6:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

AIR TRAVEL

For air travelers, Massport recommends passengers allow extra time to check in and get through security and to always check their airline flight status before leaving for the airport. Visit www.massport.com for updated flight arrival and departure information.

WINTER DRIVING

In wintry weather, motorists should drive with headlights on, observe posted speed limits, never drink and drive, make sure everyone is using a seatbelt and be on the lookout for changing weather conditions. Other safety precautions include obeying warning signs, keeping a safe distance between vehicles and using four-way flashers when stopped in traffic or traveling slowly. More information on safe winter driving is available on the MassDOT website.